Become a Forestry Assistant I

  • Entry Level
  • Supervisory
  • Full Time
  • Seasonal
  • Benefits Eligible

This is the intermediate training level in the series. Under general supervision, incumbents perform increasingly more difficult and varied technical resource management assignments, including administrative functions. As part of the Department's emergency response team, during fire season incumbents will perform fire control or other emergency duties for which they have been trained at a level of responsibility comparable to the classification of Fire Apparatus Engineer and may occasionally do so at other times.

Persons appointed to positions in this class are given the California Department of Forestry "Basic Fire Control" course in a timely manner during the probationary period, and prior to working in emergency assignments. One of the requirements for permanent status for the class is successful completion of this training course. In addition, incumbents entering State service at this level will receive all training specific to the Forestry Technician level.

This classification is eligible for the following pay:

$4,631- $6,573 Base Salary (paid every month)

In addition to the above pay items, employees are eligible for medical benefits (health, dental, vision) and may be eligible for other pay differentials.

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Minimum Qualifications
 
Either I
Two years of experience in California state service performing the duties of a Forestry Technician. (Candidates who are within six months of meeting the experience requirements may take the examination but cannot be appointed until they have obtained the required experience.)
 
Or II
Three years of experience in practical resource management or conservation work. (Qualifying experience includes reforestation, timber harvest operations, urban forestry, or other related forestry work; environmental protection work; fire control experience in the California Department of Forestry, of which a minimum of one year must have been performed at a level of responsibility equivalent to the class of Fire Fighter II.)
 
Or III
Education: Equivalent to graduation from a technical school in forestry or an AA or AS degree in forestry, natural resources, conservation, or a closely related subject. (Applicants who are within six months of graduation will be admitted to the examination, but they must produce evidence of graduation or its equivalent before they can be considered eligible for appointment.)

Knowledge and Abilities
 
Knowledge:
Good resource management principles and practices; basic conservation techniques; various Department of Forestry program functions, including stocking survey work; resource management grant evaluation techniques; basic fire control methods and equipment; map reading; cruising methods; silviculture; and dendrology.
 
Ability to:
Receive and understand instructions and carry out assignments; interpret laws, rules, and regulations and apply them effectively; collect and evaluate data and prepare technical reports; work effectively, independently, or in a group setting; utilize good judgment and take appropriate action in emergency situations; understand and employ good safety practices; learn to operate a variety of forestry fire suppression tools and equipment; and accept increasing responsibility in the level of difficulty of tasks performed.
 
And: Learn how to operate state fire suppression vehicles and equipment and perform as an experienced member of a fire suppression crew.

Special Personal Characteristics
Willingness to work long and irregular hours, to work in remote parts of the State, to work on Sundays and holidays, and during the summer season to remain on duty 24 hours a day, as required, restricted to duty assignments; adaptability, tact, and neat personal appearance.

Special Physical Requirements
Hearing, physical strength, dexterity and agility necessary to perform the duties of the position; and aptitude and liking for forestry work.

Additional Desirable Qualification
Possession of a valid California driver license of the appropriate class issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles.

The CAL FIRE Examination Unit is not accepting exam applications at this time. Please check back periodically to see when the next exam bulletin is released.

There are no available positions at this time, but new opportunities are posted regularly - check back soon!